Limb and Joint Girth Measurements

Question 1

What are you measuring and why?

Answer 1

measure the circumference of the limb using a tape measure, to see whether there is any atrophy, swelling, injury or lymphoedema.

Question 2

How to tell whether the measurement is normal?

Answer 2

Compare to the other side

Question 3

What principles are used in carrying out the technique?

Answer 3

muscle must be relaxed
tape measure straight/is it stretched?
measure 3 times and take average
measure top/bottom of tape (just be consistent)
measure each side to compare
remove constrictive clothing

Question 4

What structures/processes are being assessed?

Answer 4

joint swelling/inflammation
whether there is injury
atrophy of the muscle (e.g. from cast)

Question 5

Precautions and contraindications?

Answer 5

compromised circulation
open wound or lesion

Question 6

How to measure thigh girth?

Answer 6

pt is in half lying, well supported, knee extended, muscle relaxed

mark 15cm, 20cm, and 25cm above distal end of the tibial tuberosity

measure circumference at each point

repeat on other limb

Question 7

How to measure calf girth?

Answer 7

pt in half lying

mark two/three point depending on leg size
5cm, 10cm, 15 cm below distal end of tibial tuberosity -just make sure to note how many taken in documents

doesnt matter if above or below mark just document

Question 8

How to measure upper limb girth?

Answer 8

measurement taken at 4cm intervals from olecranon process

the amount of points are based on the length of the arm and extent of swelling (lymphoedema)

Question 9

How to measure joint girth?

Answer 9

circumferential measurement around joint line

mark the key points around the joint line

ensure the position the joint was in was marked in the documentation

measure 3 times with a tape measure